Role: Technical Author - Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Redditch
Contract: Permanent
Salary: DOE
Role Overview
EMBS Talent are recruiting a Technical Author to join the Manufacturing Engineering function of a well-established manufacturing business. The role bridges the gap between complex engineering processes and clear, usable documentation, producing the instructions that operators rely on every day on the shop floor.
Working closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Quality, production teams and subject matter experts, you will turn engineering data and shop-floor observations into accurate, easy-to-follow documentation, and keep it controlled, current and compliant.
What's in it for you
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Strong order book of projects
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Discretionary annual bonus
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Early finish on a Friday
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Genuine career development - Succession plans in place from day one
Key Responsibilities
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Author manufacturing documentation including set-up packs, stage drawings, work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring every document is controlled to the correct revision.
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Translate engineering data, CAD drawings, bills of materials and shop-floor observations into clear, step-by-step instructions.
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Create and edit photographs, technical illustrations, flowcharts and diagrams so that instructions are intuitive for operators.
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Work directly with operators, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality and subject matter experts to verify accuracy and secure operator engagement and approval.
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Manage the document lifecycle, including revisions, change notices and approval loops, through to release into production and the Quality Management System (QMS).
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Take ownership of documentation actions and milestones that need Manufacturing Engineering support across Production, NPDI, Purchasing and Quality.
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Support the Manufacturing Manager by contributing to agreed EHS, Quality, Cost and Delivery objectives, attending daily operations meetings and resolving documentation issues assigned to the ME function.
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Contribute to safe working practices, internal and external audits and continuous improvement, including input to PFMEA activities and closing out any gaps identified.
Requirements
Essential
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Proven experience as the author (not only the approver or reviewer) of manufacturing documents such as SOPs, Special Work Instructions and assembly guides.
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Experience of authoring in a regulated manufacturing sector, such as aerospace, automotive, defence or nuclear.
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Working knowledge of document control, including version control, change notices and the approval process required to release documents into production or a QMS.
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Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD data and bills of materials.
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Strong written communication skills, with a clear approach to making instructions accessible and gaining operator buy-in.
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Confident working on the shop floor with production operators, engineers and quality teams.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office and controlled document environments such as SharePoint or PLM systems.
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Practical skills in capturing and editing photographs and producing simple diagrams or flowcharts.
Desirable
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Qualification in engineering, technical communication or a related discipline.
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Experience with PLM or CAD document management tools.
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Familiarity with quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
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Understanding of PFMEA and Lean manufacturing principles.
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Experience producing visual work instructions or component maintenance manuals.
EMBS is a specialist talent consultancy connecting exceptional engineering and technology professionals with some of the UK’s most prestigious advanced engineering businesses across Transportation, Energy and Defence. With deep sector expertise and a strong network of industry-leading employers, we’ll provide expert advice and support throughout the process, helping you secure the right opportunity and take the next step in your career.
Please note, due to the nature of the markets our clients supply into, all candidates must be UK residents; we cannot offer visa sponsorship for overseas candidates